Air Force agreement provides educational opportunities to local community

The partnership between the Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate and the Emerald Coast Science Center will enable the application of professional expertise and knowledge from Air Force Research Laboratory scientists and engineers.

Eglin AFB, Florida – The Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate recently established an Educational Partnership Agreement with the Emerald Coast Science Center. The Emerald Coast Science Center is a facility that seeks to inspire and grow a scientifically engaged community to promote the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the future workforce at all levels of education.

This partnership will enable the application of professional expertise and knowledge from Air Force Research Laboratory scientists and engineers through mentorships, educational outreach programs and volunteer opportunities. The Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate will also assist with creating a program for students to receive academic credit for their assistance with defense laboratory research projects.

Additionally, the Emerald Coast Science Center will be able to utilize unused or excess laboratory equipment for student enrichment and educational purposes.

“Our partnership with AFRL allows us to bring real-world STEM-related issues to the general public,” said Diane Fraser, executive director of the Emerald Coast Science Center.

“This will help us shape our educational programs to focus on the needs of the workforce. The Science Center is looking forward to working with AFRL and the rich educational opportunities this partnership will provide to students of all ages.”

This collaboration directly supports the Air Force goal of promoting STEM education by connecting AFRL experts with the local community, teachers and students by offering enriched programs with the expertise provided through this partnership.

“For STEM education to flourish, AFRL needs to rely on every partner we can,” said Brian Mitchell, the AFRL Munitions Directorate’s STEM outreach coordinator, “ECSC is rapidly becoming the focal point for STEM in Northwest Florida and I can’t think of a better organization to partner with.”

The AFRL Munitions Directorate is located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and the Emerald Coast Science Center is located in nearby Fort Walton Beach at 31 Memorial Pkwy SW.

For additional information about the Air Force Technology Transfer Program or how to partner with the Air Force, please contact the Air Force T2 Office at 937-904-9830, [email protected], or visit the T2 website at www.wpafb.af.mil/t2.